在坦桑给巴尔岛(Zanzibar)的东海岸,远离拥挤的度假海滩,隐藏着一个古老而神秘的地下绿洲——库扎洞穴(Kuza Cave)。对于大多数游客来说,这里是一个可以在清澈见底的淡水中游泳的小众景点;但对于深入探索的旅行者而言,这里是通往斯瓦希里文化根源的大门。
本指南将为你全方位解析这个位于詹比阿尼(Jambiani)的独特景点,从地质奇观到文化体验,以及详尽的实用旅游信息。
很多人初次在社交媒体上看到库扎洞穴,都会被那抹不可思议的绿松石色所吸引。但这里远比照片中展示的要丰富得多。
库扎洞穴本质上是一个巨大的圆形石灰岩天坑(Sinkhole),直径约 50 米。它是由数千年的雨水侵蚀软石灰岩而形成的。经过漫长的地质演变,地下河道与雨水汇聚于此,形成了一个天然的地下淡水湖。与桑给巴尔周边的咸水海滩不同,这里的水是纯净的淡水,清凉且富含矿物质,被当地人称为“疗愈之水”。
这里不仅是自然景观,更是一处重要的考古遗址。考古学家在洞穴内发现了石器时代晚期的人类遗骨以及斑马、长颈鹿等动物化石(这些动物现已在岛上绝迹)。证据表明,早在 20,000 多年前,人类就已经在此活动。库扎洞穴文化中心通过展示这些发现,向游客讲述人类起源于东非的宏大故事。
不同于纯商业景点,库扎洞穴被认定为社会企业。它由当地的基比吉贾(Kibigija)村庄居民与国际团队合作管理。你的每一次门票支付和活动参与,都会直接资助当地的教育项目、医疗服务以及为村民提供就业机会。这里的口号是“作为客人到来,作为朋友离开”。
这是最受欢迎的活动。沿着稍微陡峭的楼梯下行(需注意防滑),你将进入一个半开放的地下洞穴。阳光透过树冠洒在水面上,水体清澈到你可以清晰地看到水底的每一块石头。这里的水深约 3 米,水温常年保持凉爽,是躲避非洲酷热的完美避暑胜地。
库扎洞穴文化中心(Kuza Cave Culture Centre)提供一系列深度的文化互动体验,这是它区别于其他“网红打卡点”的核心优势:
洞穴周围环绕着一片小型干燥森林。在这里,你极大概率能偶遇桑给巴尔特有的珍稀动物——红疣猴(Red Colobus Monkeys)。此外,这里也是各种热带蝴蝶和鸟类的栖息地。导游通常会为你讲解当地植物的药用价值,这是一堂生动的自然课。
库扎洞穴位于桑给巴尔东南海岸的 Jambiani(詹比阿尼) 村北部,距离热门冲浪胜地 Paje(帕杰) 仅约 8-10 分钟车程。
如果你厌倦了千篇一律的酒店泳池,渴望探索真正的桑给巴尔,库扎洞穴是不可错过的。它完美地平衡了自然探险与人文关怀。更重要的是,你的造访直接支持了 Kibigija 村的孩子们获得更好的教育。
行程搭配建议:
建议安排半天时间游览库扎洞穴,下午可前往附近的乔扎尼森林(Jozani Forest)看猴子,或去著名的岩石餐厅(The Rock Restaurant)享用日落晚餐。这三者距离很近,是经典的东海岸一日游路线。
Pablo Vega Parra Very recommended. The cave in itself is beautiful, the water pristine. Be careful with the sharp rocks, and enjoy this natural place with probably one of the cleanest waters I’ve seen. Entrance is affordable, and was the best cave we saw in Zanzibar. If I was to choose just one cave, this would be it.
Tim Anderson Beautiful cave run by local villagers.. fairly rustic and basic amenities but that kind of adds to the charm of the place. The walk down to the cave is an uneven path but not very far. Swimming was fun and the water was very warm. Be sure to walk to the other side of the cave as well, go RIGHT when you come through the hole and down the steps, left to the swimming hole, Right to the back pools. All in all a worthwhile experience. Oh, and the road to get to reception is an off road experience!!
Rahul Joshi Really great place to explore, haven't seen crystall clear water like this before ever. Was really fun and adventurous. It was a mixed review from my wife and she was kind of scared of the experience , and still managed to swim little in the cave. We were there for about 30-40 mins It's a cool stopover place. Would suggest you visit for a quick glance and swim.
Ieva Smite Refreshing and christal-clear water. Compared to ocean water temperature it feels a bit cold. I suggest to wear shoes as there might be slippery and cave stones might be sharp. A place to go!!!
Dennise D Loved visiting Kuza Cave! My friends and I enjoyed cooking with Fatima! We made pilau rice and beef with vegetables in a coconut sauce- delicious! She was so much fun to cook with and super friendly. Everyone was friendly. Hadji guided us to the cave, gave us info, took our pics and swam a bit with us. The water is pristine and a wonderful temperature. We ate the food we fled after returning from the cave, just a short distance away from the entrance/cooking area. It’s all open air. The drum circle was cool, we all danced with big smiles and happy hearts.